Crowdfunding Related Q&A and FAQs

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a method of funding a project, business, or venture by raising money from a large number of people, typically small investors. Unlike traditional financing methods (such as bank loans, venture capital, etc.), crowdfunding relies on broad public participation, usually conducted through internet platforms.

The core concept of crowdfunding is to leverage the power of the internet and social media to connect those in need of funding (creators, entrepreneurs, or non-profit organizations) with individuals willing to support their ideas or missions. These supporters typically choose whether to participate based on different types of rewards, which can be tangible (like products, memorabilia, etc.) or intangible (such as thank-you letters, project progress updates, etc.).

Main Types of Crowdfunding

1. Reward-Based Crowdfunding
   This is the most common type of crowdfunding. The initiator provides certain rewards to supporters, typically products or experiences related to the project. For example, the development of a creative product might offer exclusive early bird discounts, custom merchandise, or experiences to donors. Supporters will receive the promised rewards after the project succeeds.
2. Equity Crowdfunding
   In equity crowdfunding, supporters don't just receive rewards; instead, they become part-owners of the project or company. By providing funds, supporters purchase equity or shares in the company, which in the future could yield dividends or capital appreciation through company growth or going public.
3. Donation-Based Crowdfunding
   Donation-based crowdfunding is primarily used for social welfare, charitable causes, or emergency aid. Supporters do not expect any material reward but contribute out of trust and support for a particular goal or cause. This type of crowdfunding is especially common in disaster relief and public benefit projects.
4. Debt-Based Crowdfunding (P2P Lending)
   Debt-based crowdfunding, also known as P2P (Peer-to-Peer) lending, allows individuals to lend money to others, with lenders expecting to receive interest in return. Unlike traditional bank loans, borrowers can raise funds from many small investors through a crowdfunding platform.

How Crowdfunding Works

1. Launching a Project
   The project initiator creates a crowdfunding page on the platform, detailing their idea, goals, the funding needed, budget planning, and planned rewards. They also share the project's story, team members, schedule, and other information to attract the attention of potential supporters.
2. Setting a Funding Goal
   The project initiator sets a clear funding goal and raises funds within a specific timeframe. This goal not only helps supporters understand the project's financial needs but also motivates them to get involved.
3. Fundraising
   Supporters participate in crowdfunding through the platform, selecting various support options (such as purchasing rewards, donations, etc.). Their funds are transacted via the platform's secure payment channels.
4. Project Success and Rewards
   If the project reaches its funding goal, the initiator can use the funds for project implementation and provide the promised rewards to supporters. For reward-based crowdfunding, the initiator typically updates the project's progress regularly to ensure supporters are informed about the implementation status.
5. If the Goal is Not Met
   If a project does not reach its set funding goal, many platforms implement a **"full refund"** policy. Supporters can opt for a full refund, or according to platform rules, choose to continue supporting the project's subsequent phases.

Why Choose Crowdfunding?

1. Securing Financial Support
   For creators or entrepreneurs, crowdfunding is a relatively low-risk and quick way to secure funding. Especially when bank loans and traditional financing are hard to come by, crowdfunding provides a source of funds for many creative projects and small businesses.
2. Market Validation and Promotion
   Crowdfunding is not only a means of raising funds but also an effective way to validate whether an idea or product has market potential. By showcasing on the platform, initiators can directly engage with potential customers and supporters, gaining valuable market feedback and early promotion.
3. Community Support and Loyal Fans
   Crowdfunding builds a closer connection between creators and supporters. Supporters are not just fund providers; often, they become loyal fans of the brand and even ambassadors. Creators can establish a long-term support community through updates on project progress and interaction.
4. Risk Reduction
   For new products or ideas, crowdfunding can help initiators confirm market demand before going into mass production. Successful crowdfunding projects can reduce the risks associated with development, production, and marketing, avoiding blind investment.

Key Factors for Crowdfunding Success

1. Clear Project Goals and Detailed Plans
   Successful crowdfunding projects typically have clear goals and detailed plans. Supporters need to know how their money will be used and when the project will be completed.
2. Compelling Story and Strong Promotion
   A touching story or an appealing idea can evoke emotional resonance in people. Good promotion and social media marketing can help the project gain more exposure.
3. Rational Reward Design
   Rewards are one of the keys to crowdfunding success. Designing reward tiers rationally to make supporters feel their contributions are valuable, and making the rewards attractive, can effectively enhance the project's fundraising capability.
4. Transparency and Integrity
   Project initiators must maintain transparency by regularly updating the project's progress and fund usage. This not only wins the trust of supporters but also maintains a good reputation.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding is not just a financing tool; it's a platform for global creators and supporters to collaborate. Through crowdfunding, any creative idea can get the chance to be realized, and participants can gain a sense of achievement, rewards, and even share in future success.

Whether you want to launch a creative project or support a cause you're passionate about, crowdfunding offers you a new realm of possibilities. We hope that through this platform, you can gain a better understanding of the basic concepts and operation of crowdfunding, and start your crowdfunding journey.

Step One: Planning and Preparation

1. Define Your Project Goals
   • Project Purpose: First, you need to clarify what your project's goal is. Is it to develop a new product, realize a creative idea, support a social cause, or raise funds to start a startup? Make sure your goal is clear and specific.
   • Funding Needs: Estimate the amount of money you need to raise. Consider product development, production costs, shipping fees, platform fees, etc., to ensure the set funding goal is reasonable and achievable.
   • Time Frame: Set a reasonable fundraising duration, typically 30, 45, or 60 days. A too-long period might lead to a decline in supporter interest, while too short might result in insufficient funds.
2. Understand Your Target Audience
   • Determine the group of supporters your project is targeting. For example, are you targeting consumers who love creative products, individuals interested in environmental protection, or a community with a specific hobby?
   • Analyze Market Demand: Conduct market research to understand if similar projects exist, look at why they succeeded, and how you can stand out through crowdfunding.
3. Design Rewards and Incentives
   • Reward Tier Design: Design different rewards based on varying levels of support. Ensure that the reward tiers are attractive, making supporters feel that their contributions are worthwhile.
     • Low Amount Support (e.g., $10-20): Thank-you notes, project updates, stickers, etc.
     • Medium Amount Support (e.g., $50-100): Customized products, early bird discounts.
     • High Amount Support (e.g., over $500): Limited edition products, special thanks, VIP experiences, etc.
   • Limited Rewards: Set early bird rewards and limited edition incentives to create a sense of urgency, encouraging more people to support early.

Step Two: Prepare the Project Page

1. Project Title and Introduction
   • Concise and Clear Title: The title should be concise, attractive, and accurately convey the core of the project. For example, "Eco-Friendly Smart Water Bottle - Change the Way You Drink".
   • Engaging Introduction: The introduction should quickly captivate the reader, highlighting the project's core features, goals, and why it's worth supporting. It can be brief yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
2. Detailed Project Description
   • Story and Background: Explain the project's background and motivation. Why are you doing this project? Why is this project significant to supporters?
   • Project Highlights: List the main features and innovations of the project. Explain why it differs from other similar products or services on the market, or highlight its uniqueness.
   • Fund Utilization Plan: Clearly explain how the raised funds will be used. For example, "50% for product production, 30% for marketing, 20% for shipping and logistics." A transparent fund use plan can increase supporters' trust.
3. High-Quality Images and Videos
   • Project Cover Image: The project cover is what supporters see first, ensure it's attractive and clearly conveys the project's theme.
   • Video Introduction: A video is the most effective way to present your project to supporters. You can briefly introduce the project's background, your story, the product's features, or demonstrate how to use the product. A high-quality 2-3 minute video can significantly increase the project's appeal.
   • Images and Charts: Provide more images and charts with project details, including product prototypes, design sketches, team member introductions, etc.
4. Team Introduction
   • Project Team: If the project involves multiple collaborators or team members, introduce each member's background, experience, and role in the project. This helps increase the project's credibility.
   • Expert Endorsement: If you have support from industry experts, celebrities, or partners, you can display their testimonials or collaborations on the page.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
   • Anticipated Issues: List common questions potential supporters might ask (e.g., shipping time, international shipping availability, refund policies, etc.) and prepare answers in advance. This will help reduce concerns and increase their confidence.

Step Three: Setting Fundraising Goals and Timeline

1. Set Fundraising Goal
   • Set a reasonable fundraising goal based on your project budget and actual needs. Make sure the goal is not too high to discourage potential supporters, nor too low to fail in meeting the actual needs of the project.
   • Minimum Goal: Set a minimum fundraising goal to ensure the project can get off the ground. Even if the expected amount isn't reached, the project should be able to complete the basic production or development.
2. Set Fundraising Duration
   • The most common fundraising duration is between 30 to 60 days. 30 days is suitable for projects that urgently need funds and can take quick action, while 60 days is ideal for projects that require more time to build an audience and attract supporters.
   • Time Limit: Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency. Supporters are typically more active as the deadline approaches.

Step 4: Promotion and Marketing

1. Build Social Media and Online Promotion
   • Social Media Strategy: Start creating buzz or posting teaser content on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc., a few weeks before the project launches to attract the attention of potential supporters.
   • Content Creation: Regularly post updates about the project, behind-the-scenes footage, creative processes, etc. Share the project story, team stories, and progress to increase transparency and maintain interaction with supporters.
2. Build an Email List
   • Collect potential supporters' email addresses before the project begins and use email marketing to notify them about the project's launch. You can incentivize them to subscribe by offering exclusive content or discounts.
3. Promote to Media and Blogs
   • Reach out to media outlets, bloggers, YouTubers, and others in your industry to seek their support or coverage. Their exposure can bring more traffic and potential supporters to your project.
4. Encourage Existing Supporters to Share
   • Encourage your early supporters to share the project link and offer them rewards or freebies. Social sharing is crucial for increasing your project's visibility.

Step 5: Project Launch and Management

1. Final Preparations Before Launch
   • Before launching the project, double-check all the content on the page, including text, images, videos, etc. Ensure no important information is missing and that the content is clear and easy to understand.
   • Test Payment System: Ensure that the payment channels and refund mechanisms on the platform are functioning correctly.
2. Project Launch
   • Publish your project on the crowdfunding platform and officially start fundraising. Promote through social media, email, and other channels to inform potential supporters that the project is live.
3. Regular Updates and Interaction
   • During the project, regularly provide progress updates, informing supporters of the fundraising status, product development progress, and more. Maintain transparency, respond to supporters' comments and questions, and build an interactive relationship with your supporters.
4. Addressing Challenges and Adjusting Strategies
   • If the project fundraising is progressing slowly or there are issues, consider adjusting the marketing strategy, increasing the frequency of promotion, or introducing new rewards or limited-time offers.

Step 6: Post-Project Handling

1. Handling After Project Success or Failure
   • If the project successfully raises funds, thank the supporters and begin executing the project plan. Ensure timely delivery of rewards and maintain communication.
   • If the project fails to raise sufficient funds, handle issues such as fund refunds or project delays according to the platform's rules.
2. Delivering Rewards
   • Deliver products or rewards according to the promised reward levels in a timely manner. Address any supporter questions or issues promptly to ensure their satisfaction with the project.
3. Follow-up and Promotion
   • After completing the project, continue sharing project updates, product usage, and more on social media to maintain a long-term relationship with your supporters.

Summary

Launching a crowdfunding project is a process that requires careful preparation. From clarifying goals, preparing content, to setting funding requirements and promoting the project, every step is crucial. Ensuring the project content is clear, the story is compelling, and maintaining active interaction with supporters can increase the success rate of crowdfunding.

• On the platform's homepage, click the "Start a Project" button, follow the steps to fill in the project-related information (project name, description, target amount, rewards, etc.), upload project images and videos, and then submit for review. Once approved, the project will go live. If you are a subscribed user, you may need to complete identity verification and project review before launching the project. We will review both the project and your real identity. For example, you can perform identity verification and review in advance through our partner organizations. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at [email protected] or leave a message through the "Contact Us" section of the website. Below are the reasons for the project review process and the review criteria. Please follow the requirements below when submitting.
• SOSST Crowdfunding, as a global creative reward-based crowdfunding platform, has audit standards aimed at ensuring the authenticity, innovation, feasibility, and compliance of projects, to protect investors' rights and enhance the overall quality of the platform. Below is an introduction to the audit standards of SOSST Crowdfunding:
• 1. Project Authenticity Review
• Project Information Verification: The platform will verify the information submitted for the project, including the project name, initiator's identity, project background, target amount, etc., to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
• Verification of Supporting Documents: The project initiator is required to provide relevant supporting documents, such as identity proof, business license (if the project is initiated by a company), project plan, product prototype or design sketches, etc., to prove the project's existence and legality.
• 2. Innovation Review
• Creativity Evaluation: The platform will assess the creativity and uniqueness of the project to ensure it has enough appeal and innovative value.
• Market Demand Analysis: The platform will analyze the market demand targeted by the project and evaluate the project's market prospects and potential user groups.
• 3. Feasibility Review
• Funding Plan Evaluation: The platform will review the project's funding plan, including the direction of fund usage, budget allocation, expected returns, etc., to ensure the proper use of funds and the feasibility of the project.
• Production or Implementation Plan: The project initiator needs to provide a detailed production or implementation plan, including a timeline, key milestones, partners, etc., to demonstrate that the project can proceed as planned.
• 4. Compliance Review
• Compliance with Laws and Regulations: The platform will review whether the project complies with local legal and regulatory requirements, including intellectual property, consumer rights protection, advertising laws, and other relevant regulations.
• Risk Disclosure: The project initiator needs to clearly disclose the risks of the project in the project description, including market risks, technical risks, financial risks, etc., to help investors make informed decisions.
• 5. Other Review Requirements
• Clear Project Description: The project description needs to be clear and detailed, and should fully showcase the project's features and value.
• Reasonable Reward Plan: The reward plan needs to be reasonable and clear, capable of attracting investors' interest and safeguarding their rights.
• Initiator Credibility Evaluation: The platform will evaluate the credibility of the initiator, including the performance of past projects, user reviews, etc., to ensure the reliability and integrity of the initiator.
• In conclusion, SOSST's crowdfunding review criteria cover project authenticity, innovation, feasibility, compliance, and other related requirements. These standards are designed to ensure the quality of projects and protect investors' rights, providing entrepreneurs with a fair, transparent, and efficient crowdfunding environment. If you have any questions regarding the review status of a specific project, it is recommended to directly contact the SOSST crowdfunding platform for more detailed information.

How to Get Started: Create and Manage Your Crowdfunding Account

In this section, we will provide a detailed guide on how to get started with our creative crowdfunding platform, including how to register and log in, familiarize yourself with the platform's main features, and set up your profile to ensure you can smoothly start and manage your crowdfunding project.

1. Registration and Login

1.1 Steps to Create an Account

1. Visit the Platform Homepage
   Open our platform's homepage, click the "Register" button in the top-right corner, and go to the account creation page.
2. Fill in Registration Information
   On the registration page, you will need to provide the following information:
   • Email Address: Enter a valid email address to receive platform notifications, project updates, etc.
   • Username: Choose a unique username to serve as your identity on the platform.
   • Password: Set a strong password to ensure the security of your account. It is recommended that the password includes letters, numbers, and special characters.
   • Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to ensure it is correct.
3. Agree to Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
   Before registering, you need to agree to the platform's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Please ensure you have read these terms and understand the platform's usage rules.
4. Click Register
   After filling in all the necessary information, click the "Register" button to complete account creation. You will receive a verification email, and click the link in the email to activate your account.

1.2 Login and Reset Password

1. Login to Account
   • On the platform homepage, click the "Login" button and enter the email address and password you used during registration.
   • If the information is correct, you will be directly taken to the platform's homepage.
2. Reset Password
   • If you forgot your password, you can click the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page, enter your registered email address, and the platform will send an email with a password reset link.
   • After clicking the link in the email, you can set a new password. Please ensure the password meets the security requirements.

2. Platform Navigation

2.1 Homepage and Project Page

1. Homepage
   The platform's homepage showcases all the latest crowdfunding projects, popular projects, and recommended projects. You can quickly browse and discover projects that interest you here. The homepage also features interesting creative news, success stories, and crowdfunding guides.
2. Project Page
   • Each crowdfunding project has its own dedicated project page. The project page usually includes:
     • Project Introduction: The founder's story, project goals, product introduction, funding usage plan, etc.
     • Funding Progress: Displays the funding goal and the amount raised, and it updates in real-time.
     • Reward Tiers: Lists the rewards for different support amounts, including products, limited edition gifts, etc.
     • Comment Section: Supporters and potential supporters can leave comments and interact here, and the project initiator can also respond to questions.
   • On the project page, you can browse and support projects that interest you, choose a reward tier, and make a payment.

2.2 Personal Account Page

1. Account Settings
   On the personal account page, you can manage your account information, including your profile, payment methods, crowdfunding projects, and participation history. Here, you can view your donation records, manage supported projects, and track the rewards you have received.
2. Notifications and Messages
   The platform will send updates about project progress, successful crowdfunding, or other updates to your account's notification center. You can view these notifications at any time and interact with the project creator.

3. Set up your profile

3.1 Complete your personal information

1. Go to your profile page
   After logging in, click the avatar or username in the top right corner to go to the "Profile" page.
2. Fill in your personal information
   On the profile page, you can complete or edit your basic information, including:
   • Name: Enter your real name or nickname.
   • Email Address: Modify or update the email address you used during registration.
   • Gender (Optional): Choose to fill in based on personal preference.
   • Personal Introduction: In the profile page, you can briefly introduce yourself. Especially if you're a project creator, this section can help supporters understand your background.
   • Contact Information: Make sure to provide a valid contact method so you can receive important notifications and project updates.
3. Upload Avatar: Upload your avatar. It is recommended to use a clear and professional photo or icon, so other users can better recognize you. The avatar is an important part of your profile and helps you establish a good image on the platform.

3.2 Set Payment Method

1. Enter Payment Settings
   On your personal account page, find the "Payment Settings" or "Payment Method" option.
2. Add Payment Information
   The platform supports various payment methods. Make sure to enter and confirm the correct payment information:
   • Credit or Debit Card: Enter the card number, expiration date, and security code.
   • PayPal Account: Link your PayPal account for quick and easy payment.
3. Save Payment Method
   After entering your payment information, click the “Save” button to ensure your payment method is successfully linked. This will ensure you can easily support the projects you're interested in or smoothly complete the fundraising when launching your project.

3.3 Privacy Settings and Security

1. Privacy Settings
   On the personal profile page, you can set whether to make your support history and participation records public. You can also choose whether to allow other users to view your profile or interact with it on the platform.
2. Security Settings
   • Change Password: If you think there might be security risks with your account, regularly changing your password is a good habit.
   • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: To enhance account security, the platform supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Once enabled, you will receive a verification code each time you log in, ensuring that only you can access your account.

Summary

By following these simple steps, you can successfully register and log in to our SOSST Global Creative Crowdfunding Platform, set up your personal profile and payment method, and start browsing and supporting the projects that interest you. Whether as a supporter or preparing to launch a project, you can easily manage your account information, track project progress, and experience a convenient and secure crowdfunding process.

Platform Rules

Welcome to [SOST International Crowdfunding], the global creative crowdfunding platform!

This platform provides crowdfunding support for creative projects, innovative products, and artworks. Through the platform, creators can showcase their projects and receive funding from global supporters, while supporters can back their favorite creative projects through pre-orders or donations. To ensure healthy, orderly, and transparent operations and provide a fair environment for all users, all users (including creators, supporters, and users) must abide by the following rules.

1. Platform Usage Regulations

1. Registration and Account Management

• Before using the platform services, users need to register an account and provide truthful, accurate, and complete information.
• Users are responsible for securely managing their account information, and the security of their account and password is their responsibility. The platform is not liable for account theft or information leakage.
• If users detect any unusual activity, they should immediately notify the platform's customer service for resolution.

1. User Behavior Guidelines

• Users must comply with relevant laws and regulations of the platform and must not engage in any illegal, malicious, or inappropriate activities using the platform.
• Users are prohibited from posting content that violates public morals, social order, ethnic religion, or government policies.
• Posting false, misleading, or exaggerated project descriptions is prohibited, and the project content must be truthful and transparent.

1. Project Launch and Management

• All creators publishing projects must adhere to the platform's project publishing standards and go through the platform's review process. The content of project descriptions, images, videos, etc., should be truthful, accurate, and legal, and must not mislead investors or supporters.
• When launching a project, creators must clearly indicate the intended use of the funds and update the project's progress on time according to the plan to ensure supporters receive accurate rewards and information.

II. Prohibited Project Content

Prohibited Project Clauses

To ensure the platform's legality, safety, fairness, and the rights of creators and supporters, the platform has strict rules for all projects published by creators. To ensure projects meet ethical and legal standards, here are the specific types of projects that are prohibited from being published. Any project violating these terms will be subject to appropriate penalties according to platform regulations, including the right to delete the project, freeze accounts, restrict account functions, permanently ban, or report to relevant departments.

1. Projects that Violate Laws and Regulations

• Illegal goods or services: Including drugs, counterfeit goods, pirated software, illegal firearms, firearm accessories, illegal drugs, illegal medical devices, smuggled goods, etc.
• Copyright and intellectual property infringement: Distribution of copyrighted works (such as movies, music, books, software, etc.) without authorization, or the sale of pirated or counterfeit goods.
• Violation of local laws and international regulations: Posting any project that violates the laws of the creator's or platform's location, including but not limited to anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and cross-border funds flow legal requirements.

2. Projects related to dangerous activities or items

• Dangerous chemicals and items: Posting projects related to dangerous chemicals, explosives, gunpowder, dynamite, or any form of flammable or explosive materials.
• Weapons and their accessories: Projects related to the manufacturing, sale, or fundraising of firearms, gunpowder, knives, explosives, and weapon accessories (such as ammunition, scopes, etc.).
• Illegal Medical Treatments: Projects involving the sale or promotion of unapproved drugs, treatments, uncertified medical devices, or "miracle cures."

3. False, misleading, or fraudulent activities

• False Advertising: When project descriptions do not match the actual product or service, or when misleading information, exaggerated effects, or fabricated success stories are spread on the project page.
• Investment Fraud: Projects involving false or unfeasible investment opportunities, illegal fundraising, Ponzi schemes, and other financial fraud.
• Unclear use of funds: The creator fails to clearly and transparently explain the specific use of funds, or the use of funds is unreasonable, unfeasible, and unmanageable.

4. Pornographic, obscene, lewd, or vulgar content

• Obscene and indecent content: Including but not limited to inappropriate gender-related content, vulgar content, nudity, obscene videos, adult toys, adult services, and similar projects.
• Vulgar behavior or pranks: Inappropriately using the platform to spread vulgar, prank, or insulting content, insulting or humiliating others, or pranking public figures, events, disasters, etc.
• Inappropriate content involving minors: Any inappropriate, violent, gender-discriminatory, or otherwise harmful content involving minors, or malicious depictions that damage the rights of minors regarding their gender, body image, or behavior.
• Private Photography: When it comes to personal photography or photography projects, the platform can accept content with strong artistic and creative value, but it must be legal and compliant. In particular, photos or videos must be taken with the consent of the participants and must not contain any form of pornography, violence, or disturbing displays.
• Commercial Photography: If the photography project is for profit purposes, the platform must ensure that these projects do not contain pornography or controversial content, and all images, videos, and other creations must comply with the platform's guidelines for image content.

5. Animal Abuse and Environmental Destruction

• Animal Abuse Projects: Projects involving any form of animal abuse, animal experimentation, or those that cause harm or death to animals.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: Projects involving endangered species, wildlife, unauthorized animal trade, illegal pet breeding, and similar activities.
• Ecological Destruction: Projects involving the destruction of natural environments, illegal deforestation, illegal hunting, or projects that affect the natural ecological balance, such as illegal timber trade.

6. Unethical or Inappropriate Behavior

• Incitement of Violence and Hate: Any form of incitement or support for violence, terrorism, or extremism, including radical rhetoric, fundraising for terrorist activities, etc.
• Hate Speech and Discriminatory Content: Involves any racist, sexist, religious, ethnic, or homophobic speech or actions.
• Encouraging Illegal Activities: Encouraging or supporting any illegal or criminal activity, including but not limited to theft, fraud, drug crimes, etc.

7. Gambling, Betting, and Illegal Fundraising

• Gambling and Betting Activities: Involves any form of gambling or betting, including online gambling, lottery games, etc.
• Unapproved Fundraising Activities: Fundraising activities that lack legal financial qualifications or regulatory approval, including private loans, investment projects, unregistered bond or stock trading, etc.

8. Inappropriate or Non-compliant Fundraising

• Fake Fundraising: Involves raising funds under the guise of charity, but the use of the funds is unclear or the raised funds are not used according to the publicly stated promises.
• Unauthorized Fundraising: Fundraising activities conducted without approval from relevant government or regulatory bodies.
• Non-transparent Fund Use: Projects where the use of donations or funding is opaque, making it impossible to effectively track the flow of funds.

9. Low-quality or unrealistic projects

• Vague projects: Projects without clear goals, plans, budgets, or implementation details, or "shell projects" that exist solely to attract funds.
• Lack of clear feasibility: The creator has not provided any clear product prototype, technical validation, or feasibility analysis of the project’s implementation. Supporters cannot clearly assess whether the project has the potential to be realized.
• Lack of expertise or resources: The posted project clearly lacks the technical expertise, team support, financial resources, etc., required for implementation, and the creator does not have a clear plan to address these shortcomings.

10. Other projects that violate platform rules

• Privacy invasion or infringement of others' rights: Any unauthorized collection, dissemination, or sharing of another person's personal information (such as ID cards, bank cards, phone numbers, etc.), or projects that infringe on others' intellectual property rights (such as patents, trademarks, etc.).
• Misleading team information: Creators intentionally fabricate or falsify information about team members, partners, or the support behind the project to mislead supporters' trust in the project.
• Violation of platform community behavior standards: Projects that violate the platform's community behavior standards, including posting malicious or offensive comments, inciting platform disputes, etc.

11. Projects that do not meet ethical or moral standards

• Copying or inciting illegal content: Includes inciting or encouraging any form of illegal activities such as violent crimes, terrorism, child pornography, cybercrimes, etc.
• Ethical issues: Projects involving malicious competition, improper business practices, or violations of business ethics, such as gaining support through unfair competition or plagiarizing others' ideas.
• Using tragic stories to solicit support: Projects that fabricate or exaggerate personal tragedies, illnesses, disasters, or other emotional content to raise funds.

12. Political or Religious Sensitive Content

• Political Activity Projects: Posting projects that clearly involve political activities, party support, political lobbying, election campaigns, etc.
• Religious extremism content: Projects promoting any form of religious extremist ideology, inciting religious hatred, or involving misleading, coercive behavior through religion.

13. Phishing or Malware

• Phishing: Using the project page to lure users into providing sensitive information such as personal details, bank account numbers, passwords, etc., for phishing purposes.
• Malware or viruses: Projects involving the spread of any malicious software, viruses, or spyware, or using the project page for illegal intrusion, remote control, and similar activities.

14. Identity Theft or Impersonation

• Impersonating Others: Creators impersonating others to post projects, including pretending to be well-known brands, celebrities, organizations, or government departments.
• False Team Information: Fabricating or impersonating team member identities to enhance the project's credibility and mislead potential supporters.

15. Unauthorized Medical or Health-related Projects

• Unapproved Medical Products: Fundraising projects involving medical devices, drugs, treatments, supplements, etc., that have not been legally approved or certified.
• Exaggerating Treatment Effects or Misleading: The project falsely promotes the effectiveness of health products or treatments or provides health advice without scientific evidence.

16. Illegal or Improper Data Collection

• Data Collection Without Consent: Collecting or sharing users' personal information (such as contact details, location data, browsing history, etc.) without explicit consent, or sharing it with third parties without authorization.
• Abuse of Platform Data: Project initiators abusing platform data or engaging in illegal data mining, personal information acquisition, or similar activities through the project.

17. Projects that severely harm user experience

• Disruptive Advertising Practices: Projects that disrupt the normal user experience on the platform through malicious pop-ups, forced ads, false content, or malicious traffic redirection.
• Abuse of Platform Mechanisms: Creators who manipulate platform functions or rules, such as through fake activities, malicious voting, etc., to control project rankings or traffic.

18. Projects Related to the Adult Industry

• Sex Worker-Related Projects: Fundraising activities or projects related to the recruitment of sex workers or sex services.
• Adult products: For projects involving adult products, the platform only accepts projects that comply with local laws and regulations. These products must clearly indicate usage instructions and must not violate any regulations against gender discrimination, violence, or infringement of personal dignity. The project must comply with the platform's adult content policy and be displayed under appropriate categories and tags.
• Restrictions on adult-related content: This includes but is not limited to explicit descriptions of sexual acts, pornographic images, video content, etc. These contents must strictly follow the platform's rules, and projects involving explicit or implicit sexual behavior are generally not allowed, especially if they lack relevant legal approval.
• Content Compliance Review: For projects involving adult products, private photos, etc., the platform will conduct more stringent content reviews to ensure that the project content does not violate public morals, social order, and strictly follows the platform's review mechanism to protect the legal rights of creators and supporters.
• Age restrictions and clear labeling: The platform will set clear age restrictions (e.g., 18 and above) for projects involving adult products and private photos, and will require creators to clearly label "Adult content" or "Art content" in the project description to ensure potential supporters understand the nature of the project.
• Creator and supporter privacy protection: For projects involving personal photos and adult products, the platform will pay special attention to the privacy protection of creators and supporters, ensuring that their identity, photos, and other personal information are not misused or publicly disclosed.
• Community Culture and Platform Responsibility: The platform should maintain a positive community culture, eliminate any form of malicious content or vulgar works, avoid excessively commercialized or overly sexualized works that may spark controversy, and ensure that the platform serves as a space for creativity and entrepreneurial support.

19. Information tampering or spread of false content

• Spread of fake news: Projects that publish fake news, fabricate facts, spread misleading information, etc., especially involving public events, disasters, or panic-inducing topics.
• Distortion of historical or cultural content: Projects that spread incorrect historical information, distort historical events or cultural heritage, leading to social misinformation.

20. Environmental and health hazard projects

• Environmentally destructive projects: Projects that may cause significant damage to the environment, such as large-scale pollution, illegal mining, environmental degradation, etc.
• Harmful products or behaviors to health: This includes projects that involve the production and sale of products that may cause serious harm to health (such as toxic substances, carcinogens, etc.).

21. Unauthorized government or regulatory actions

• Illegal cross-border fundraising: Projects that violate the regulations on cross-border fund movement in a country or region, especially involving fundraising activities that do not comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
• Violation of import/export regulations: Involves the trade of goods or services that do not comply with local import/export laws, especially cross-border trade projects involving cultural, educational, and technological products.

22. Spam and Abuse of Platform Resources

• Spam or irrelevant projects: Posting projects with no real content, excessive duplication, or projects unrelated to the platform's nature, disrupting the platform's order.
• Malicious order manipulation: Actions that artificially boost a project's performance or ranking through false support, vote manipulation, fund manipulation, etc.

23. Protection of Vulnerable Groups

• Exploitation of vulnerable groups: Any form of exploitation, manipulation, misguidance, or fraud involving vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled individuals, homeless people, etc.
• Child rights violations: Any projects that harm children's physical and mental health, deprive children of their freedom, especially those involving child labor, pornography, or other illegal activities.

24. Emerging technology risks and ethical issues

• Artificial Intelligence Abuse: Projects involving the use of AI technology for harmful activities, such as deepfakes, behavioral manipulation, malicious spread of false information, etc.
• Human gene editing: Projects involving human gene editing, genome modification, etc., that have not been legally approved, especially biotechnology projects carried out without sufficient ethical review.

25.Equity Crowdfunding Project

• Equity crowdfunding: Since the platform currently does not have the necessary qualifications for equity crowdfunding, any form of equity crowdfunding project is prohibited. Any project attempting equity investment, equity transfer, or other forms of equity financing through the platform does not comply with the platform's rules and will be immediately removed or deleted.
• The platform only supports projects based on donations, pre-sales, rewards, etc. that are non-equity financing, ensuring that the platform's operations comply with laws and regulations.

3. Funding and Payment Rules

1. Funds Management

• All funds raised through the platform's crowdfunding will be processed through the platform's designated payment system. Funds will only be allocated to the creator if the project meets the success conditions.
• Creators must provide valid and accurate bank account or payment account information to ensure the accurate flow of funds.

1. Fees and Commissions

• The platform charges a certain percentage of service fees based on different project categories. For specific charging standards, please refer to the platform's "Charging Standards" page.
• Creators must bear the costs associated with fund withdrawals (such as bank fees, etc.).

1. Refund Policy

• Supporters can apply for a refund before the project ends, based on the project's progress. Refund conditions and procedures will be determined according to the specific project's situation.
• If the creator fails to complete the project as promised or there is a major breach of contract, supporters may request a refund. The platform will review and process the request based on the specific circumstances of the project.

4. Content Review and Management

1. Content Review

• All projects must pass the platform's content review before being published. The platform will review aspects such as the project's authenticity, legality, compliance, and risk.
• The platform has the right to delete, freeze, or remove any project that violates platform rules. For violations, the platform has the right to take different punitive measures depending on the severity of the violation.

1. Creator's obligations

• Creators should provide the products or services as promised after the project is successfully launched and keep supporters updated on the project's progress in a timely manner.
• Creators are not allowed to delay the project progress without reason or refuse to fulfill their commitments. In case of violation, supporters have the right to request a refund and report to the platform.

5. Intellectual Property and Privacy Protection

1. Intellectual Property

• Creators hold complete intellectual property rights over the content of the projects they publish (including but not limited to copyrights, patents, trademarks, etc.). Creators commit that the content they publish does not infringe any third-party intellectual property rights.
• Supporters do not hold intellectual property rights over the content of the projects they support, and they should not reproduce, distribute, or alter the creator's work without authorization.

1. Privacy Protection

• The platform will strictly protect users' personal privacy and will not disclose users' personal information arbitrarily, except as required by law.
• The identity information, contact details, payment information, etc., of creators and supporters will only be used for the realization of platform-related functions and may not be used for illegal purposes.

6. Dispute Resolution and Liability

1. Dispute Resolution

• For disputes between project owners and supporters, the platform will arbitrate based on relevant laws and regulations as well as platform rules. The platform's decision will have final interpretive authority.
• For specific issues between creators and supporters, the platform provides mediation and solutions, but is not responsible for the project results and content.

1. Platform Responsibility

• The platform only provides intermediary services such as project display, fund management, and payment services, and is not responsible for the success or failure of the project.
• The platform does not take direct responsibility for issues such as project failure, creator breach of contract, or supporter loss, but will assist both parties in resolving the issues as much as possible.

7. Modifications and Interpretations of the Rules

1. Rule Change

• The platform has the right to modify and update these rules as needed and promptly publish change notices on the platform. All users should regularly check for updates to the platform’s rules.
• Once the rule updates take effect, all users continuing to use the platform services will be deemed to accept the new rules.

1. Rule Explanation

• These rules are interpreted by the SOSST crowdfunding management team, and the interpretation rights belong to the platform.

Platform Rights Update and Further Responsibilities

• The platform is subject to updates at any time: Based on the needs of platform operation and policy changes, the platform reserves the right to update and modify the "Prohibited Project Terms" at any time. Creators should regularly review and follow the latest terms, and if there are any questions, they can contact the platform's customer service for assistance.
• Ensure Transparent Handling: For all projects violating the terms and their handling process, the platform should be transparent and fair, publicly disclose its handling methods in a timely manner, and inform supporters whenever possible.
• Cooperation and External Regulation: The platform is obligated to cooperate with regulatory authorities, especially in cases involving cross-border illegal projects, to ensure that the projects comply with the law and take legal action in a timely manner.

The rights and responsibilities of the platform

1. Review and Monitoring: The platform has the right to conduct regular reviews of projects published by creators. If any project is found to violate platform terms, the platform will immediately remove the project and notify the creator. The platform will use a combination of technical means and manual review to ensure that projects comply with relevant laws and regulations as well as platform policies.
2. Reporting Mechanism: The platform provides users with a reporting channel, allowing any user to report projects suspected of violating these prohibited terms. The platform commits to addressing the report within 48 hours of receiving it.
3. Creator Responsibility: All creators are fully responsible for the projects they publish. Creators must ensure the legality, truthfulness, and accuracy of the published projects and comply with relevant laws and regulations during the fundraising and project implementation processes. The platform is not responsible for the content of creators' projects but will take necessary actions if a project is found to be illegal or in violation of terms.
4. Penalties：

• For creators who publish prohibited projects, the platform may take measures such as deleting the project, freezing the account, restricting account features, or permanently banning the account.
• For creators who seriously violate the rules, the platform will report to the relevant law enforcement agencies, cooperate with the investigation, and take legal action.

1. Terms Updates and Changes: The platform reserves the right to update these terms at any time based on actual operational circumstances and legal requirements. All creators should regularly check for updates to the platform's terms to ensure their actions comply with the latest regulations.
2. "The platform's other terms, including the privacy policy, cookie policy, security responsibilities, etc., are also included. By using the Nanbei Crowdfunding service, you are deemed to have agreed to and comply with these terms."

Thank you for choosing [SOSST International Crowdfunding]. We look forward to providing comprehensive support for creative crowdfunding through the platform. To protect your rights and ensure the normal operation of the platform, please adhere to the above rules when using our platform services. If you have any questions, feel free to contact customer service or refer to our help center.

1. Browse and select projects

1.1 How to filter projects

On the platform, thousands of projects are waiting for your support. To help you find projects that interest you more easily, the platform offers various filtering and search methods. You can browse and select projects according to the following methods:

1. Filter by category
   You can filter based on the project's category, such as:
   • Technological innovation: Including hardware, software, smart devices, etc.
2. • Art and Design: Includes painting, sculpture, photography, fashion design, etc.
3. • Social Welfare: Projects focused on environmental protection, social responsibility, healthcare, etc.
4. • Games and Entertainment: Video games, music, movies, performing arts, etc.
5. • Education and Training: Online courses, learning tools, education reform, etc.
   After selecting the appropriate category, the platform will display all crowdfunding projects that match that category.
6. Filter and search by directory
   If you have specific interests or want to search for a particular type of project, the platform offers "Directory Filtering" and "Keyword Search" functions. With directory filtering, you can directly browse the project's category directory, such as:
   • Creative products: Including innovative products, electronic devices, fashion items, etc.
   • Environmental Protection: Sustainable development, environmental protection projects, etc.
   • Community Building: Focusing on social projects and community development.
   Additionally, you can use the "search box" feature to find your favorite projects by searching keywords like "environmental technology" or "virtual reality games."
7. Filter by target
   • Fundraising progress: Filter out projects that are close to their fundraising goal or have successfully raised the full amount, making it easy to see which projects have achieved their goals and are ready to move to the next step.
   • Target amount: You can also choose projects based on the fundraising target amount, helping you find those within your budget range.
8. Filter by crowdfunding duration
   Select "Remaining Time" to filter and find those crowdfunding projects that are about to end, ensuring that you can still support your favorite project at the last moment.

1.2 Project details page introduction

Each project has a dedicated project details page, which provides all the important information about the project. When browsing the project details page, focus mainly on the following sections:

1. Project Story
   This is the core part of the project, usually written by the initiator, describing the background of the project, the source of inspiration, and the mission and vision of the project. This section helps supporters understand the value and uniqueness of the project.
2. Budget and fund usage
   The organizer will list the fundraising target and specific use of the funds, such as:
   • Product manufacturing: Raw material procurement, manufacturing, research and development, etc.
   • Marketing: Advertising, promotional activities, displays, etc.
   • Logistics and distribution: transportation, warehousing, etc.
   This information helps you understand how the projects you support use the raised funds.
3. Reward tiers
   The project page usually lists different reward levels, where you can choose different rewards based on the amount you contribute. For example:
   • Small contributions: You may receive a thank-you letter from the project or a thank-you message on social media.
   • Medium support: You may receive exclusive products or discounts from the project.
   • Large-scale support: Offering special rewards such as limited editions, VIP experiences, meet-and-greet events, etc.
   You can choose the appropriate reward tier based on your budget and interests.
4. Fundraising progress and goal
   This shows the fundraising progress of the project, including the amount raised, the remaining amount, and the fundraising goal. It updates in real-time to help you understand the project's financial status.
5. Videos and Images
   Project pages typically include project videos and images to help you better understand the project's creative process, prototypes, team, and products.
6. Comments and Feedback
   There is also a comment section on the project page where other supporters and potential backers can ask questions or share their thoughts. You can browse these comments to understand the project's dynamics and even interact directly with the creator.

5. Fund Management

Fund management is the core part of ensuring the smooth operation of projects on the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform, involving fund circulation, platform fee collection, and the choice of payment channels. The platform ensures the interests of supporters and creators are protected through a clear and transparent fund management process, securing the safety of project funds and their rational utilization.

5.1 Fund Circulation

1. How to Manage and Transfer Funds Raised for a Project
   
   On the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform, supporters' funds are transferred to the platform's escrow account after payment. This account is managed centrally by the platform to ensure the safety of the funds. Once the project reaches its funding goal, the platform will transfer the funds to the creator in batches according to predetermined rules.
   • Fund Release and Transfer Scheduling：
     • After the project reaches its funding goal, the platform will confirm the receipt of funds and fulfillment of conditions before releasing and paying the funds to the creator.
     • Batch Payments: To ensure transparency in project progress and fund utilization, the platform makes payments to the creator in batches based on the project's progress. For example:
       • Upon project success, the platform pays **20%** of the funds for the initial phase of the project (like product development, material procurement, etc.).
       • After the project delivers rewards, the platform pays the remaining **30%** of the funds to continue project execution.
       • The remaining 50% of the funds will be paid to the creator within one month after the project concludes, ensuring all tasks, reward deliveries, and project deliverables are completed before the creator receives the final funds.
     • Each payment is made after deducting the platform's service fee and transaction fees, allowing the creator to receive the corresponding amount.
2. Fund Security and Transparency
   • Throughout the entire project process, the platform provides real-time transparency on fund usage. Creators are required to regularly update the project progress and fund utilization to ensure all funds are used appropriately.
   • Supporters can check the funding progress of the projects they support at any time to ensure that every fund transfer meets expectations.

5.2 Platform Fees

1. Platform Service Fee
   The SOSST Crowdfunding Platform will charge a certain percentage of platform service fee based on the project category and fundraising amount. This fee is used to support platform operations, technical support, and various services provided to creators and supporters.
   • The platform service fee is usually 5%-8% of the total project fundraising amount. The specific percentage depends on the project's scale, industry category, and other conditions. This fee is automatically deducted before the project funds are transferred to the creator.
2. Payment Processing Fees
   Payment processing fees are charges imposed by payment platforms (such as credit cards, PayPal, etc.), typically amounting to 3%-5%. An additional fee of $0.29 is also charged per transaction. The specific fees vary depending on the payment channel used.
   • Fee Deduction: Payment processing fees will be deducted during the fund transfer process. The platform automatically deducts these fees before paying the creator, ensuring they clearly understand the actual amount received.
3. Other Fees
   • Promotion Fees: If creators opt to use the platform's additional promotional services (such as project recommendations, advertisements, etc.), these fees will be incurred additionally. The platform will inform creators in advance about the required fees and service details.
   • International Transfer Fees: If supporters and creators come from different countries, some payment channels might charge additional fees for international transfers. The platform will inform in advance about these fees, ensuring creators and supporters understand the fee details.

5.3 Payment Methods

To meet the needs of global creative crowdfunding, the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform offers multiple payment channels, ensuring supporters can donate conveniently and quickly to support projects. The platform supports the following main payment methods:

1. Credit Cards and Debit Cards
   
   Supports payments with major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) and debit cards. After supporters select the amount to support and the reward tier on the platform, they can directly enter their card number, expiration date, and security code to complete the payment.
   • Payment Process: Credit and debit card payment methods are simple and quick, typically not requiring an additional account, making them suitable for most supporters.
2. PayPal
   PayPal is a globally recognized electronic payment platform, especially suitable for international supporters. With PayPal, supporters can easily pay using credit cards, debit cards, or their PayPal balance.
   • Security Assurance: PayPal offers a buyer protection program, ensuring the safety of the payment process and providing enhanced payment security.
3. Bank Transfer
   For larger donations or supporters from specific regions, the platform offers a bank transfer option. Bank transfers are suitable for users who prefer to pay using their bank accounts, supporting multiple currency transfers.
   • Transfer Duration: Bank transfers take a longer processing time, especially international transfers might take several days to complete.
4. Alipay and WeChat Pay
   For supporters in Asia, especially in China, the platform offers Alipay and WeChat Pay as localized payment methods. Supporters can complete donations by scanning a QR code or authorizing payment.
   • Convenience of Payment: These payment methods are widely used in China and other Asian markets, allowing supporters to complete payments easily.
5. Other Payment Methods
   • Cryptocurrency Payment: Some platforms allow payment through Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies, suitable for supporters who use cryptocurrencies.
   • Installment Payments: Some supporters wish to support projects in installments, and the platform offers an installment payment option, allowing supporters to pay their donations gradually over multiple periods.

Summary

On the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform, fund management is a core element in ensuring creators and supporters can complete transactions smoothly and that projects proceed successfully. The platform ensures the safety and proper use of project funds through clear, transparent fund management processes, while offering a variety of payment methods and a clear fee structure to protect the interests of both creators and supporters.

• Platform Fees include service fees and payment processing fees, ensuring the normal operation of the platform.
• Fund Circulation adopts a batch payment method, ensuring creators receive funds in stages for use in different phases of the project.
• Payment Methods offer a diverse selection, including credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and local payment methods (such as Alipay, WeChat Pay), ensuring convenient participation for users worldwide.

Through these fund management and payment methods, the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform provides a safe, transparent, and convenient crowdfunding environment for creative projects worldwide.

6. Community and Interaction

On the SOSST crowdfunding platform, community interaction is a key part of increasing project exposure, stimulating user engagement, and building trust between supporters and creators. The platform provides various ways for project initiators and supporters to connect closely, and through social sharing, enhance the project's visibility and impact. It is worth noting that the platform may display different interfaces or features depending on the region, and also supports sharing projects via URLs, making it easier for users to bring the project to wherever they support.

6.1 Project comments and interactions

1. How to participate in discussions, ask questions, and comment
   • Participating in project discussions: Supporters and potential supporters can find the comment section at the bottom of each project page, where they can share their views on the project, ask questions, or offer suggestions.
     • How to comment: Click the "Comment" button on the project page and enter your comment. You can choose to make the comment public, so everyone can see your opinion, or choose to send a private message to the project initiator for a more private discussion.
     • Comment content: You can ask questions or make suggestions about the project's ideas, progress, reward plans, etc. The initiator and other supporters can reply below the comments.
     • Likes and interaction: Supporters can like other people's comments to show support for a particular idea or issue, enhancing interaction.
   • Questions and feedback: Each project page has a dedicated Q&A section where supporters can ask the project initiator questions to learn more about the project's details or progress. This is very useful for any supporter seeking more information.
     • How to ask: Go to the Q&A section, click the "Ask a question" button, fill in your question, and submit it. The project initiator will receive a notification and reply as soon as possible.
     • Types of questions: Supporters can ask about product quality, delivery time, reward issues, or any other project-related content.
   • Creator response: Project initiators can respond promptly to supporters' comments and questions, helping to build closer community relationships. Timely communication not only enhances the credibility of the project but also increases its support.
2. Interact with the initiator and other supporters
   • Creator interaction: Project initiators can not only reply to supporters in the comments and Q&A sections but also communicate privately with supporters through the platform's messaging system, addressing individual questions or providing project updates.
   • Interaction between supporters: In addition to the interaction between creators and supporters, the platform encourages mutual communication among supporters. Supporters can share their opinions and experiences in the comment section, or even discuss the innovative aspects of the project with other supporters, helping to create a stronger support network for the project.
   • Likes and shares: Supporters can like other supporters' comments, and if they find a comment or opinion valuable, they can share it with friends to help increase the project's exposure.

6.2 Share Project

1. How to share a project on social media to increase exposure: The SOSST crowdfunding platform encourages project initiators and supporters to share projects on social media to increase the project's visibility and attract more potential supporters. The platform provides simple share buttons, making it easy for users to share the project on various social media platforms. Regardless of the user's location, they will see social media platforms relevant to their region, helping them share the project more conveniently.
   • Share buttons provided by the platform: At prominent locations on each project page, the platform provides social media share buttons, including:
     • Facebook: Supporters can click the share button to share the project on their Facebook timeline or related groups, attracting their social circle's attention to the project.
     • Twitter: Projects can be shared on Twitter in tweet form. Supporters and initiators can expand the project's visibility by including #tags.
     • Instagram: Share images or short videos of the project on Instagram to increase the project's visual appeal, especially effective for creative and art projects.
     • LinkedIn: Ideal for targeting professionals or industry-related supporters. Project initiators can share the project via LinkedIn to attract more professional supporters or investors.
     • Reddit: In some regions, users can also share projects on Reddit in relevant discussion areas to attract more like-minded supporters.
     • Other regional platforms: Based on the user's location, the platform will display social media and platforms suitable for the local market. For example, in Japan, sharing via Line is available; in the Middle East, a Telegram sharing option may be provided.
   • Sharing content: When sharing, the platform provides default share text and images, and users can simply click the share button to post the project link and introduction on social media. Users can also customize the sharing content by adding personal views or encouraging messages, further increasing the project's appeal.
2. How to invite friends to support the project
   • Invitation link sharing: The platform allows creators and supporters to directly invite their friends and social circles to support the project through personalized invitation links. Each supporter and creator has a unique invitation link, through which the support status of the project can be tracked.
     • How to share the invitation link: On the project page, creators and supporters can see an "Invite friends to support" button, and clicking it will generate a unique link. Users can share this link via text message, email, or social media, inviting friends to click the link and join the project.
     • Reward program: To encourage more supporters to participate in the project through invitation links, the platform supports some referral reward programs. For example, by successfully inviting 3 friends through the invitation link, the creator or inviter can receive additional rewards (such as project rewards, platform points, etc.).
   • Social invitations: The platform allows users to directly invite friends to support projects through social media accounts (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.). With integrated social media tools, the invitation process becomes quick and convenient, and users can send the invitation link directly to their friends on social networks.
   • Email invitations: Supporters can also send project links via email to friends, family, colleagues, etc. The platform provides automated email templates, so supporters only need to enter the recipient's email address and click send, simplifying the invitation process.

6.3 Regional Differentiated Display and Sharing

1. Regional differentiated display: Based on different regions, the SOSST crowdfunding platform will automatically display sharing and interaction options suitable for that region. For example:
   • In the United States and Europe, users mainly use mainstream social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
   • In the Middle East and Russia, the platform may offer regional social media options such as Telegram, VK, etc.
2. Sharing via URL: No matter where users are, they can expand the project's influence by sharing the direct URL.
   • URL sharing: Each project has a unique URL that users can copy and share the link with their friends and social circles through any communication tool (such as SMS, email, social networks).
   • Browser support: The platform supports smooth operation across various browsers, ensuring that users, regardless of their device or location, will have a consistent experience when accessing project links.

Summary:

1. Project comments and interaction: Supporters can interact with the project initiators and other supporters through the comment section, Q&A section, and direct messaging system, participate in project discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback. This interaction process helps improve the transparency of the project and strengthens the trust of supporters in the project.
2. Sharing projects: Regardless of the user's location, they can share the project to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WeChat, etc., using the social media sharing buttons provided by the platform to increase the project's exposure. The platform also supports directly inviting friends to support the project through invitation links and social media accounts.
3. Regional differentiation display and URL sharing: The platform automatically adjusts the social platform options displayed based on different regions, allowing users to easily share projects according to their location. With the URL sharing feature, users can easily spread the project to any place they support.

7. Project Management and Follow-up

On the SOSST crowdfunding platform, project management is not only about successfully raising funds but also involves the effective execution of the project in its later stages and ongoing communication with supporters. The initiator must regularly update supporters on the project's progress, address any delays or issues, and ensure that the funds raised are used on time for project delivery. Additionally, if the project fails to reach its funding goal, the initiator must handle subsequent matters properly, ensuring transparency and trust on the platform.

Below are the classifications and explanations of detailed project management and subsequent sections:

7.1 Project Progress Update

How to post progress updates and thank-you letters

Regular updates: Project initiators should regularly provide updates to supporters, sharing the latest developments and achievements of the project. The update content may include:

Progress report: Such as the completed stages of the project, current work progress, new designs or product prototypes, production progress, etc.

Thank-you letter: Acknowledging all supporters and expressing their contribution to the success of the project. The thank-you letter can be presented not only through text but also in more creative ways, such as through video or images.

Update content: On the platform, initiators can share new progress through the "Post project progress update" feature. Each update typically includes:

1. Update title: Concisely and clearly express the content of the update.
2. Update details: A detailed description of the project's progress, challenges faced, solutions implemented, etc.
3. Media support: Includes images, videos, files, etc., helping supporters better understand the current state of the project.

How to publish updates:

1. Go to the "My Projects" page in the user center and click the "Post Update Project Progress" button.
2. Fill in the update title, detailed description, and any relevant media materials.
3. After submission, all supporters will receive notifications and be able to view progress on the project page.

Publish thank-you letter:

1. After a significant milestone in the project (such as successful fundraising, completion of a phase, etc.), a thank-you letter is published to express gratitude to supporters.
2. The thank-you letter can be presented through text, images, or videos, making supporters feel more appreciated and respected.

How to handle delays and issues:

1. Timely communication: If the project encounters delays or other issues, the initiator needs to promptly notify supporters and transparently explain the situation. When publishing updates, the following should be included:
   1. Problem description: Clearly explain the reasons for the challenges or delays encountered, such as supply chain issues, production delays, design changes, etc.
   2. Solution: Provide a detailed solution and follow-up action plan to let supporters know how the problem will be solved and how the project will continue to progress.
   3. Adjusting the schedule: If necessary, update the delivery date and explain the reasons for the adjustment to supporters. The platform provides flexible time management features, allowing creators to adjust their schedules when facing issues.
2. Building trust: Transparent communication can enhance supporters' trust, especially when facing unforeseen challenges. Timely updates and explanations not only help the initiator maintain supporters' loyalty but also alleviate supporters' dissatisfaction.
3. Emergency response: If the project faces more serious risks (such as vendor default, major design issues, etc.), an emergency notice should be immediately published on the platform, and solutions or strategy adjustments should be sought.

7.2 Post-Crowdfunding Handling

Delivery Arrangement After Project Success

Funding Distribution: After successfully raising funds for the project, the platform will disburse funds to the initiators in stages according to the project's reward plan. The specific funding distribution process may vary based on the project's rewards and usually includes:

Initial Funding Distribution: After the project is successful, the platform will disburse **20%** of the startup funds to help the project begin implementation.

Subsequent Funding Distribution: When the project reward preparations are completed, **30%** of the funds will be disbursed to support further project progress.

Final Payment: When the project is completed and ready to deliver all rewards, the remaining **50%** of the funds will be disbursed (after deducting platform fees and processing charges).

Delivery Arrangement:

Reward Delivery Schedule: The initiators should establish a clear reward delivery schedule based on the project's progress. For product-based projects, the delivery time should include specific dates for production, packaging, and shipping. For service-based projects, the service delivery time should be clearly defined.

Delivery Notification: Once delivery begins, the initiator needs to notify all supporters, informing them of the expected delivery date, progress, and shipping method.

Return Issues: If any problems arise during the delivery process (such as product quality issues, delivery delays, etc.), timely communication with the supporters should occur, along with providing solutions. The platform will offer refund and compensation solutions to protect the supporters' interests.

How to Handle Projects that Do Not Reach Their Goal

Handling of Unmet Goals: If the project fails to meet its fundraising goal within the specified time, the platform will adopt a **“Full Refund” policy. All supporters' funds will be refunded to their payment accounts**, and the project initiators will not receive any funds.

Communication with Supporters: If the project does not meet its goal, the initiator should proactively contact the supporters, express gratitude, and explain the reasons for not achieving the target. Can offer:

Explanatory Letter: Explains why the goal was not met, which may be due to factors such as market demand, product design, insufficient promotion, etc.

Future Plans: Inform supporters on how to stay in touch and continue receiving support if the plan is adjusted or restarted.

Project Restart

If the project does not meet the target but the initiator still believes the project has potential, another crowdfunding campaign can be restarted. The platform provides a re-crowdfunding feature that allows the initiator to adjust the goals and strategies when raising funds again.

The initiators can update the project's reward plan, progress schedule, and promotional methods to increase the chances of success.

Community Maintenance: Even if the project is not successful, the initiators can maintain contact with supporters through social media and emails, thank them for their participation, and continue seeking support in future projects.

7.3 Other Subsequent Management Matters

Project Feedback and Improvement

The initiators can invite supporters to provide feedback on the project execution to improve subsequent crowdfunding activities or product iterations. Opinions are collected through surveys or feedback forms.

Adjust the project plan based on feedback, strengthen the relationship with supporters, and enhance the execution and appeal of future projects.

Continuous Community Interaction

After project delivery, the initiators should continue to stay in contact with supporters and update them on the progress of the product, news, or events. Ongoing interaction helps to build brand loyalty and lays the foundation for the success of the next crowdfunding project.

Register and Log in (Recommended)
While you can support a project without logging in, we recommend registering and logging in so you can: View the progress of supported projects: After logging in, you can view the progress and updates of the projects you have supported at any time in your personal account.
Manage and modify your support: After logging in, you can modify your support amount, change reward choices, or update payment information.
Receive important notifications: You will receive notifications about project progress, delays, successful delivery, etc.
Support projects anonymously (no registration required)
If you choose to support a project anonymously, you can support a project without logging in, but keep the following in mind: You cannot manage or view support records: You will not be able to view the specific progress of the project you have supported or check for updates in the user dashboard.
Does not affect rewards: Even without an account, your reward will be distributed according to the project settings, but you will not be able to check the project's progress at any time.
Select the support amount and reward
On the project page, you can choose the amount to support. Each amount typically corresponds to different reward options. Choose the reward level based on your support amount.
Reward options: For example, you can select a lower support amount for a thank-you note, or a higher amount for limited edition products, exclusive experiences, etc.
Select payment method
When supporting a project, you need to select a payment method. We support various payment channels such as: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
PayPal
Bank transfer
Once the payment is successful, your support is confirmed, and an electronic receipt will be generated by the system for you to save.
Confirm and submit support
After selecting your rewards and payment method, confirm that all information is correct. Click the “Support project” button, and after completing the payment, your support will be officially recorded. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about the supported project, amount, and rewards.

Notes:
Project progress: If you log in to your account, you can view the latest progress, shipping status, etc., at any time. If you are not logged in, you can view project updates on the project page.
Reward issues: Ensure that the reward level you choose corresponds to your support amount and that you provide the correct contact information (such as mailing address, phone number, etc.) to facilitate the delivery of rewards.
Payment security: All payment information is encrypted to ensure the safety of your funds and personal information.

Modifying Supported Projects
If the project you supported has not ended, you can modify it through your platform account. This typically includes: Modifying the Support Amount: Before the project ends, you can adjust the support amount or choose a different reward level.
Changing Payment Method: If you need to change your payment method (e.g., from credit card to PayPal), you can do so during the fundraising period.
Canceling Supported Projects
If the Project Did Not Reach Funding Goal: If the project does not meet the funding goal, your funds will be automatically fully refunded without any deductions.
If the Project Successfully Reached Funding Goal: Once the project is successful and enters production or delivery phase, your support is typically non-cancellable or non-refundable. In such cases, if special circumstances arise, you can negotiate with the project initiator to explore other solutions (such as changing reward levels or other compensation).
Negotiating with the Initiator
If you wish to modify your supported project or request a refund (in special circumstances), you can contact the project initiator directly for negotiation. Through the platform's private messaging function, the initiator may offer appropriate solutions to meet your needs.

Notes:
Project Progress Stage: The ability to cancel or modify support is influenced by the project's progress. If the project has already begun production or delivery, canceling support may become more complicated.
Platform Policy: The platform will handle modification and cancellation requests according to the project's reward settings and payment methods, ensuring the protection of both parties' rights.

The platform service fee is typically 5%-10% (depending on the project type). In addition, each payment will incur a 3%-5% payment processing fee + $0.29/transaction.

On the user center project page, click the “Publish Project Progress Update” button, enter the title and content of the project update, upload relevant images or videos, and submit the update. All supporters will be notified.

If there are delays or issues, please promptly notify supporters via the "Post Project Progress Update" feature, clearly describe the reason for the delay, and provide solutions to ensure transparent communication.

After the project is successful, products or services will be delivered to supporters according to the preset delivery schedule and reward levels.

• Full Refund Policy
• Payment Processing Fee
  • Refund Processing Fees: During the refund process, the payment company may charge a certain percentage of processing fees, typically between 3%-5%, depending on the payment method used. For example, payment channels like credit cards or PayPal may charge some fees, and these fees will be collected by the payment company, while the platform and project owners will not charge any additional fees.
• Can the payment company refund the transaction fee?
  • Payment Company Refund of Fees: In some cases, the payment company may refund part or all of the fees. For example, some payment channels (such as PayPal) may refund the previous payment fees when issuing a refund, but this depends on the payment company and its specific policies. If the payment company agrees to refund the fees, you will receive a full refund with no deductions.
  • Payment Company Does Not Refund Fees: If the payment company cannot refund the fees, the refund amount will be deducted by a certain payment processing fee, and you will receive the remaining amount.

• After successfully raising funds, the platform will release funds in stages:
• 20% Startup CapitalFund Distribution Process
• On the SOSST Crowdfunding Platform, after a project successfully raises funds and meets its target, funds will be disbursed in stages according to different phases. Below are the specific rules for fund distribution:
• Startup Funds (20%)：
  • After the project is successful, the platform will disburse 20% of the funds to the project initiators to start the initial work of the project (such as procurement, development, etc.). These funds will be used to help advance the project.
• Progress Funding (30%)：
  • After the project distributes rewards, when the project enters the production or implementation stage and rewards (such as products, services, etc.) begin to be delivered, the platform will release 30% of the funds to the project side. This portion of funds helps the initiators continue to complete the project and prepare for final delivery.
• Final funding (50%)：
• After the project is completed and the rewards are delivered, the platform will release the remaining 50% of the funds. This portion of the funds will be used for the final settlement and completion of the project. By this time, the project should be completed as promised, all rewards delivered, and the creator can use these funds for the finishing work or subsequent management of the project.

Enter your question or feedback in the comment section of the project page, then click “Submit” to interact with the creator and other supporters.

1. Enter the website homepage：

2. Click the person icon at the top right corner of the website：

   •  

3. Select Registration Option：

   • Click on the avatar of the person, and a menu will pop up with options like “Sign Up” or “Create Account.” Select “Sign Up” or a similar button.

4. Fill in Registration Information：

   • You will typically be asked to provide the following information:
     • Username
     • Email Address
     • Password
   • Make sure to provide a valid email address, as some websites may send you activation emails or verification codes.

5. Submit Registration Form：

   • After filling in the information, click the submit button (such as "Register" or "Create Account").

6. Confirm Email (if needed)：

   • If the website requires email verification, the system will send a confirmation email to the email address you provided during registration. Open the email and click the confirmation link inside to complete the email verification.

7. Successful Registration：

   • After registration is complete, you can log in directly or use your account information to log in where required.

Login Account Steps:

1. Click the person icon at the top right corner of the website：

   • Similar to the registration process, click the profile icon or the "Login" button at the top right corner.

2. Choose Login Options：

   • Select the "Login" or "Enter Account and Password" option from the pop-up menu.

3. Enter username and password：

   • Enter your username or email address, along with your password, on the login page.

4. Click to log in：

   • After confirming that the input is correct, click the "Login" button to enter the website backend or personal page.

5. Forgot Password (if needed)：

   • If you forget your password, you can click the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen and follow the instructions to reset your password.

If you forget your password, you can click the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen and follow the instructions to reset your password.

SOSST International Crowdfunding, as a platform dedicated to promoting innovation and supporting entrepreneurs, has always adhered to the philosophy of “everyone participates, sharing innovation” and is committed to providing one-stop crowdfunding services to creative individuals. We understand that innovation not only comes from technological breakthroughs but also from the spark of creativity. To encourage more outstanding ideas to come to life, we have specially launched the “Quality Creative Support Program.” This program aims to provide funding, resource matching, marketing promotion, and other forms of assistance to promising projects, helping creative ideas succeed.

Project Goals

1. Inspiring the Generation of Ideas: Attracting more outstanding ideas and entrepreneurial projects to join the North-South Crowdfunding Platform.
2. Driving Ideas to Reality: Through financial support and resource connection, helping ideas transform into actual products.
3. Building a Creative Ecosystem: Promoting interaction and collaboration among creators, investors, media, and other stakeholders to jointly drive the development of the creative industry.
4. Market Expansion: Providing market promotion support for high-quality creativity to help achieve rapid growth.

Support Target

The SOSST International Crowdfunding Quality Creative Support Program is open to the following creative groups:

• Creative Design Category: Including but not limited to product design, artistic creation, cultural creativity, and other fields.
• Technology Innovation: Includes smart hardware, tech products, sustainable development projects, and more.
• Social Welfare Category: Focusing on projects with social impact such as environmental protection, charity, and education.
• Creative Projects in Other Industries: Creative projects with market potential in areas such as dining, entertainment, fashion, etc.

Support Content

1. Funding Support: Providing seed funding of a certain amount for high-quality creative projects, to be used for the initial research and development, production, and marketing of the project.
2. Platform Exposure: Prioritize exposure on the homepage, social media, and partner platforms of the SOSST international crowdfunding platform to increase project visibility and awareness.
3. Resource Coordination: Connecting relevant industry resources for creative projects, including but not limited to technology partners, supply chain resources, marketing collaboration, etc.
4. Professional Coaching: Inviting industry experts to provide one-on-one consulting and coaching for the project, helping the creative team optimize the business plan, marketing strategies, project operations, and more.
5. Marketing Support: Provide marketing support for high-quality projects, including online advertising, brand exposure, media collaboration, etc., to help projects quickly gain more attention and potential customers.
6. Crowdfunding Activity Support: Assist creative projects in launching crowdfunding campaigns on the SOSST international crowdfunding platform, providing traffic support, marketing tools, and technical assistance to help projects raise funds quickly.
7. Legal and Financial Support: Provides legal consulting services to ensure creative projects are compliant with laws in areas such as collaboration, contract signing, and intellectual property protection. Additionally, offers financial management and tax advisory support to help projects plan their financial and tax matters efficiently.

Selection Criteria

We will screen and support high-quality creative projects based on the following criteria:

1. Creative Uniqueness: The project must be innovative, capable of filling a market gap or making breakthrough improvements to existing products.
2. Market Potential: The project should have a certain market demand, be able to generate user interest, and possess the ability for sustainable development.
3. Team Strength: The founding team must possess execution capability, innovation spirit, and strong marketing skills. Team members should ideally have a professional background in relevant fields.
4. Social Impact: Especially for public welfare projects, social value and impact are important reference indicators in the selection process.
5. Operability: The project must have a clear execution plan and be able to complete product design, production, and marketing within a specified time frame.

Support Process

1. Application Submission: The project team submits an idea proposal and project overview, fills out an application form, and provides detailed information on the project's innovation, market prospects, team background, and more.
2. Review and Selection: SOSST International Crowdfunding will organize an expert review committee to comprehensively evaluate all submitted projects and select high-quality ideas that meet the criteria for support.
3. Signing Agreement: Sign formal cooperation agreements with supported creative projects to clarify details of support, funding arrangements, and subsequent resource support.
4. Project Execution and Follow-up: Regular follow-up on supported projects, providing continuous support and resources to ensure smooth execution and success.

Contact Us

If you have a unique idea and wish to gain support on the SOSST international crowdfunding platform, please contact our creative support team. We promise to treat every idea plan seriously and conduct a rigorous evaluation to ensure we provide you with the most suitable support.

• Email inbox：[email protected]
• Official Website：www.sosst.com

SOSST International Crowdfunding has always been committed to providing creators with an open and fair platform, ensuring that every high-quality idea has the opportunity to be fully showcased and realized. We believe that as creativity and resources continue to converge, SOSST International Crowdfunding will become an accelerator for more entrepreneurs and innovators to realize their dreams. We look forward to working with you to drive the birth and success of more exciting ideas.